The Highland Council Care and Learning Service has been successful in securing £250,000 to support the development of the use of technology in learning. The bid, led by Louise Jones, ICT in Learning Manager was submitted to the Inspiring Learning Fund a Scottish Government fund developed by the Scottish Futures Trust.
The Highland Council is one of 19 local authorities to receive money from the Fund which encourages the creation of spaces for flexible learning and allows closer partnerships between schools and further education, in line with Curriculum for Excellence.
Louise said: "This will make a real difference in developing the use of technology in learning for all Highland schools. The funding will go towards distance learning development and connecting schools, which can create more opportunities and course choices for our learners. We are also planning to explore new technologies in learning as well as classrooms of the future. Part of the bid was also about supporting Parents and Carers by producing resources about the safe use of technology in learning. We are very excited to take these plans forward."
Chair of the Education, Children and Adults Services Committee, Councillor Drew Millar said: “I'm delighted that our application has been successful as the funding will allow us to look at how new technologies can be used to bring benefits to all schools and pupils, especially when it comes to creating more opportunities for distance learning and making the most of shared resources. We also work hard to ensure the safety of young people when they are using technology, so continuing this work will also be a priority.”